6:40 PM
The Summit Casino.
The Boss and Uncle Kun were both dressed formally for the occasion.
The Boss wore his ever-present, amiable smile.
Uncle Kun was in a traditional tang suit, leaning on his dragon-headed cane.
Officially, to the outside world, the casino's General Manager was Uncle Kun. The Boss was merely attending the opening ceremony.
Standing behind The Boss were Michael Langford, Gwendolyn, and several other familiar faces.
Flanking Uncle Kun were Serena He and her brother, Tyler He.
Everyone wore smiles, though a trace of worry flickered intermittently in Serena's eyes. It was only twenty minutes until the opening, and Ethan still hadn't appeared. Most importantly, the million dollars loaned to Grant Gong hadn't been recovered.
Starting a casino with a bad debt on the books was considered very bad luck.
Tyler He glanced at Serena and seized the initiative to attack. "Dad, the opening is moments away, but I hear there's a million-dollar debt outstanding. We're in a cash-in business. A bad debt right at the start is a terrible omen."
Serena snorted coldly, firing back, "Whether it's a bad debt isn't for you to decide. Besides, the borrower was the head of the Gong Family Martial Arts School. A century-old institution like the Gongs wouldn't welch on a debt, would they?"
She deftly redirected the contradiction towards Gwendolyn.
Gwendolyn gave a light laugh. "Now, niece, that's an interesting way to put it. We have a saying, 'debt has its head, credit its tail.' Not every member of the Gong family borrowed that money. Why imply the whole family won't pay? Go after the person who actually took the loan!"
"Ha." Uncle Kun chuckled and turned slightly. "Boss, what's your take?"
The Boss remained smiling. "A bad debt is indeed unlucky. But Ethan isn't here yet. Perhaps he's planning a surprise for us."
"Boss, I'm afraid some people just don't have the guts to show up," Gwendolyn added from the side.
"Speaking of Ethan not daring to come, it's understandable," Tyler chimed in, "given his age, lack of experience, and how new he is to our world. But some people," he shot a look at Serena, "aren't new to this. Co-managing this operation with Ethan, yet letting money walk out the door without collateral… it makes me question her competence. If it's not incompetence, then her motives must be seriously questionable!"
"An interesting point, Tyler," Ethan's voice cut through the tension suddenly. He emerged from behind the marble screen wall, wearing a patterned dress shirt. "We run a casino, a service business, not a clip joint. Are you suggesting that issuing credit itself implies questionable motives? If everyone thought like you, how would the casino make any money? Or are you implying that the Gong family's reputation isn't even worth a million?"
Ethan first greeted The Boss and Uncle Kun respectfully, then skillfully turned the focus back onto Gwendolyn.
Gwendolyn snorted coldly but didn't take the bait.
Tyler's face darkened. "Ethan, we're talking about the debt right now."
"Tyler, perhaps it's your communication skills that are lacking," Ethan said with a smile. "What I heard was you questioning motives and competence. If you can't even express yourself clearly, let's not talk about competence, shall we?"
"Ethan, stop twisting my words!" Tyler, losing the verbal spar, grew agitated. "I'm asking you directly: what about the million-dollar debt? The casino is opening! The money isn't back!"
Ethan checked his phone, then looked genuinely puzzled. "Tyler, isn't the opening at 7 PM? It's only 6:50."
Tyler scoffed. "What's the difference?"
"Ha." Ethan gave a dismissive laugh, as if Tyler wasn't worth his time. "If you say there's no difference, Tyler, then there's no difference. You're the one who calls the shots."
As Tyler opened his mouth to retort—
"Enough!" Uncle Kun barked.
Serena, standing nearby, covered a slight smile with her hand. Ethan was truly formidable in a war of words.
This establishment belonged to The Boss and Uncle Kun. They had set the opening for 7 PM sharp. That was the time—not a minute more, not a minute less. Even if it wasn't followed with absolute precision, only The Boss or Uncle Kun could comment on it. When did Tyler get to decide what was significant?
Tyler had overstepped, trying to usurp the hosts' role. The Boss naturally wouldn't show he was bothered by Uncle Kun's son arguing, but now that Ethan had pointed it out, Uncle Kun had to reprimand Tyler. Otherwise, it would seem like he didn't respect The Boss's authority.
Tyler shut his mouth, though resentment still burned in his eyes as he glared at Ethan. He was waiting. Once those ten minutes passed, he would have plenty of opportunities to counter-attack. He might even use this chance to try and oust Serena from her position too!
Gwendolyn stood by, a smile playing on her lips, waiting to see Ethan fail. She knew her brother's character perfectly well. There was absolutely no way Ethan could get that money back.
The seconds ticked by.
6:57 PM. Three minutes until opening.
"Congratulations, Uncle Kun! Congratulations! On behalf of the Gong family, I wish you a prosperous business, raking in money hand over fist!"
Grant Gong's voice suddenly rang out.
The moment she heard it, Gwendolyn's face drastically changed color.
Then, Grant Gong strode in confidently, carrying a gift in his hands.
"Head Instructor Gong, welcome!" Uncle Kun laughed heartily. "Please."
"After you, Uncle Kun. This is a small token for the opening."
Grant's gift was a statue of Guan Yu, crafted from solid gold.
The statue had originally been displayed in the Gong Family Martial Arts School, but Grant bringing it here was entirely appropriate.
In casinos, gamblers often worship Gods of Wealth. These are generally divided into Civil and Military Gods of Wealth.
The Civil God of Wealth is Zhao Gongming, typically revered by legitimate businesspeople.
The Military God of Wealth is Guan Yu, the Warrior Saint, believed to bring unexpected fortune and favored by gamblers.
"Head Instructor, you're too kind," Uncle Kun said.
Grant waved a hand. "Uncle Kun, the other day I came to try my luck. Fortune wasn't on my side. I was on a losing streak, deep in the action, and had no collateral. But that young Ethan Chen at your place has real guts! He fronted me a million just on trust! I figured, if your casino operates with such confidence, I, Grant Gong, can't be stingy, right?"
"I held onto the money for a few days, and young Ethan here didn't even press me for it. Made me feel ashamed, honestly. I'm here today to settle that debt. Principal plus interest—one point three million."
Grant Gong had come bearing gifts and to repay the debt, even calculating the interest on top.
The scene left Gwendolyn utterly bewildered. She couldn't comprehend how her own brother, who had originally set out to defend her honor, was now singing Ethan Chen's praises!
Not only Gwendolyn, but even Tyler He was taken aback.
Serena looked at Ethan, her beautiful eyes sparkling with admiration.
Michael Langford's gaze also fell on Ethan, a look of approval hidden in their depths.
The Boss simply smiled, his expression unchanging from beginning to end. But his slight nod indicated his satisfaction with Ethan.